This publication is a compilation of studies on religious instruction in state schools. It describes the diversity between states and analyzes the legislative basis of religious instruction in various countries. Whereas in some countries, religious instruction in state schools is optional or compulsory with the possibility to opt out, in other countries religious instruction is banned from state schools. The comparative analyses in this book will be of great value to researchers in educational research and to educational policymakers. The chapters are written in the English, French, German, Italian and Spanish language.